Three individuals have been charged in connection with an arson incident involving volunteer-operated ambulances serving the Jewish community in Golders Green, following an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP).
Hamza Iqbal, 20, and Rehan Khan, 19, both British citizens from Leyton, along with a 17-year-old male, a dual British and Pakistani national from Walthamstow, face charges of reckless arson that endangered lives, as defined under Section 1(2) of the Criminal Damage Act 1971. The charges were authorized by the Crown Prosecution Service.
The trio was apprehended on Wednesday, April 1, at various locations across east London. Officers from Counter Terrorism Policing London executed searches at their residences as part of the investigation.
The charges stem from an arson attack that occurred around 1:35 AM on Monday, March 23, during which four ambulances belonging to Hatzola, a volunteer ambulance service in Golders Green, were set ablaze. This incident has drawn attention, similar to the case of a jubilant trend among youths that has recently spread across the UK.
Iqbal, Khan, and the minor are scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, April 4.
Commander Helen Flanagan, who heads Counter Terrorism Policing London, stated, “Since this appalling attack last week, we have been working continuously to investigate and identify those responsible. The investigation has now reached a stage where three people have been charged and they will now appear in court.”
Flanagan emphasized the remarkable support received from the local community since the attack and assured that efforts would continue in collaboration with local policing to ensure public safety.
While the incident has not been classified as terrorism, the investigation is being led by CTP detectives due to the nature of the event and the specialized capabilities within the unit.
Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams, who oversees policing in North West London, acknowledged ongoing community concerns, particularly among Jewish residents during the Passover festival. He noted, “Since the arson attack, we have put in place an enhanced, bespoke policing plan, which has been focused around vulnerable areas not only in Golders Green, but right across London.”
This plan includes a significant increase in police presence aimed at protecting communities, disrupting criminal activity, and ensuring public safety. Williams added that this initiative would continue in the coming days, featuring specialized officers working alongside local law enforcement, supported by visible armed police patrols to deter potential threats.
“As I’ve said before, these are precautionary measures and not in response to any specific threat,” Williams remarked. “We continue to work alongside our colleagues in Counter Terrorism Policing to support their investigation and will also maintain close collaboration with local communities and partners to address their concerns.”
Additionally, two men were previously arrested on March 25 and have since been released on bail, pending further inquiries scheduled for late April.
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